Georgia Surpasses Armenia in COVID-19 Death Toll

As of January 23, 2021, the number of COVID-19 related deaths in Georgia has surpassed that recorded in Armenia. According to the latest data, there have been 3,034 deaths in Armenia compared to 3,038 in Georgia. The total number of COVID-19 infections in Georgia is 256,000, while in Armenia it stands at 166,000.

The director of the Georgian National Center for Disease Control, Amiran Gamkrelidze, stated in an interview with PalitraNews that the country will have to live under certain regulations for another year. Weddings, large gatherings, and events will need to be postponed for another year. Gamkrelidze expressed that if 60-70% of the population gets vaccinated against COVID-19 this year, it will gradually be possible to return to normal life.

“My forecast regarding the return to normal life is based on several factors. Firstly, I believe that the virus will complete its biological cycle in about a year and will likely become a seasonal infection, like the flu. It is likely that we will require seasonal vaccinations. If 60-70% of the population gets vaccinated against COVID this year, it will gradually be possible to return to normal life,” Gamkrelidze stated, adding that current measures regarding mask-wearing, distancing, and hygiene are mandatory.